overextend

verb

over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend How to pronounce overextend (audio)
overextended; overextending; overextends

transitive verb

: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point
especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid
overextension noun

Examples of overextend in a Sentence

He overextended a muscle in his arm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Don’t come crying to the academic side of the house — or the campus bookstore — when you’re overextended. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025 The Craftsman wrench set is the best pick for someone who wants a basic wrench set that won’t overextend the budget. Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025 Just as pushing too hard in running can lead to injury, overextending project resources results in team burnout and lower quality outcomes. Sarah Edwards, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 More traditional methods of building credit, such as using a secured credit card or opening a regular credit card with a relatively small limit, have guardrails in place to help prevent consumers from overextending themselves financially, Boneparth says. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overextend

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overextend was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overextend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overextend. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

overextend

verb
over·​ex·​tend ˌō-vər-ik-ˈstend How to pronounce overextend (audio)
: to extend or expand beyond a safe or reasonable point
especially : to commit (oneself) financially beyond what can be paid
overextension noun

Medical Definition

overextend

transitive verb
over·​ex·​tend ˌō-və-rik-ˈstend How to pronounce overextend (audio)
: to extend too far
overextend the back
overextension noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overextend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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